While forecasts fluctuate, they all agree: Big storm

As snow forecasts for approaching nor’easter continue to fluctuate, it appears that southwest Connecticut could escape the worst of the blizzard, which has been named Nemo. But that could still be 10 to 14 inches in New Canaan and the area, according to the National Weather Forecast.

A winter storm watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon for southern Fairfield County. But finding how Nemo will affect Fairfield County is still too early to tell. Forecasts have ranged from six inches to two feet of snow.

It could bring heavy snow, sleet and strong winds, according to the weather service. Winds are expected to be north at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph. The temperature is expected to be around 30 by Friday afternoon.

The worst of the storm is expected to be from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning.

While earlier forecasts were warning of more rain here, it now appears there will be much more snow than rain, with some trace amounts of ice, on Friday.

This storm is expected to be much worse east and north of Fairfield County, where blizzard watches, which are a step above winter storm watches, are in effect all the way to Boston and northern Massachusetts.

But locally the weather service is warning of “near blizzard conditions” here that could make for dangerous driving condition and bring down some tree limbs, causing scattered power outages.

Snow could start early Friday morning, according to the weather service, leaving a half inch by the time the sun rises.

More snow is expected before 1 p.m., then it could turn to rain along the coast and be a wintry mix to the north. But the snow-rain line continues to fluctuate, meaning it could be either precipitation here. But for now, Friday’s high is expected to be near 38. New snow accumulation during the day on Friday could total two inches.

On Friday night, any wintry mix that is falling will become all snow after 10 p.m. as the temperature drops down to 23 overnight. Expect a “blustery,” north wind at 18 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph, according to the weather service. New snow accumulation over Friday night could six to 10 inches.

Heavy snow could continue to fall until 1 p.m. Saturday. It could continue until 4 p.m. — but it might not. It’s too early to tell. Saturday’s high is expected to be 30 and windy. Temperatures could drop to 11 on Saturday night, which could be a worry for anyone who loses power because of this storm.